How to Identify Genuine Leather Sofas
Genuine leather furniture is durable and timeless. It can be difficult to differentiate between genuine leather and "split", "bonded" or faux (fake leather) options.
If the edges are rough or uneven It is likely that the product is genuine leather. Genuine leather may also have a bumpy underside or "fat wrinkles".
Top-grain
A leather sofa will last for years. If you take care of it, a high-quality leather sofa can last for three times as long as textile sofas. If you don't, it will last for a few years before it starts to peel and crack. A good way to protect your leather furniture is by applying a leather preservation product that will keep it soft and supple.
It is also recommended to look for furniture made of full-grain leather which is the highest-quality leather available. This type of leather is not polished or buffed, which means it will keep its original appearance. This allows you to match the color and texture to the decor you have already.
While full-grain leather is more expensive alternative than top-grain leather, it offers numerous advantages over other kinds of leather. It is more durable and can be dyed to a variety of colors. It's also breathable, meaning it will keep you cool during the summer and warm in winter. Full-grain is an excellent choice for those suffering from allergies, since it does not trap pet dander and dust mites like upholstery fabric.
The other kind of leather used in leather sofas is top grain leather, which has been sanded and buffed to eliminate imperfections. This process reduces the durability, but gives the leather a uniform look and feel. This type of leather is available in many high-end leather goods because it is softer than full grain and cheaper.
Before you purchase a leather sofa, you need to understand the distinction between top-grain and full-grain. Both kinds of leather are high quality however, the full-grain type is more durable than top-grain.
Full-grain
A leather sofa is a chic feature for any room. It can be outfitted with decorative pillows and throws to add some color or opted for a more minimalist appearance. The kind of leather used in a sofa's construction will determine its design and the durability. A leather of high quality will not only last for a long time, but it will also become more beautiful with use. Full-grain leather is the best because it keeps the natural texture and marks of the original hide, and is also breathable. It also develops over time a deep patina that is highly desired by leather enthusiasts.
The difference between full-grain leather and top grain leather is that the latter is sanded and buffed to eliminate imperfections. The sanding, buffing and cracking of leather is also reduced by the process. The tanning process can also be harmful to the environment. The chrome-free process is available for those who wish to minimize the impact of their tanning process.
Full-grain is more expensive, but it is also more durable and resistant to wear. It is also easy to maintain as it requires only a gentle wipe with an abrasive cloth. It is a great choice for those who do not want to maintain leather sofas but do not want to spend additional money on high-end leather items.
If you are looking for a leather sofa you may find it harder to find a full grain sofa than a top grain. You might want to visit an exhibit where you can look at the sofa in person and feel it for its quality and feel. You can also inquire about the tanning process and how it affects leather.
Selecting the right color for your leather sofa is an important factor to take into consideration. Colors like dark navy or tan butterscotch might seem outdated, but they go well with a variety of decor styles. The form and height are important factors to consider. Sofas with thin or tapered legs will look contemporary, while those that have turned or spindle feet will suit an old-fashioned interior design.
Semi-aniline
Many people have questions when they visit our showroom. They may want to know what types of leather we carry or perhaps they need help understanding industry jargon. This is particularly true for shoppers interested in buying a leather sofa. Leather is a popular choice for upholstery in both commercial and residential structures. However, a lot of people don't know about the various finishes used to make these items.
We often get asked: What's the difference between aniline leather and semi-aniline leather? Both are top grain leather however, they have a few important distinctions. Aniline leather is softer and offers a more natural look, but is also more brittle. This type of leather is susceptible to fade from exposure to sunlight and may be stained by spilled liquids. If it is not taken care of for in a timely manner, it will dry out and crack over time. Because of its fragility, aniline leather requires a high level of maintenance.
In contrast, semi-aniline leather is treated with a light surface coating to offer more durability. This treatment process helps the leather resist staining and fade and makes it more tolerant to daily use. This treatment also helps keep the leather in its natural appearance and softness.
Semi-aniline leather, though it might not have the natural appearance and feel of full aniline, it is still stunning. This type of leather is favored by many families due to its both beauty and protection.
Pigmented leather is the strongest kind of leather. It is more resistant to stains and scratches than other kinds. This makes it an excellent option for families with children or pets. Pigmented leather is also easier to maintain than other types of.
If it is not properly maintained, colored or other types of leather can crack and dry out over time. It is recommended to condition your leather at least two times each year to ensure that it is well-hydrated and to prevent it from drying out or cracking. If you are looking for a second-hand sofa made of leather make sure you check the quality of the leather prior to purchasing it. If you do this, you can be confident that you're getting a quality product at a fair price.
Bonded
The leather-lovers should stay clear of bonded leather or fake furniture made of leather. It's simple: bonded leather is composed of shredded pieces of leather and fibers, which are joined and then covered with polyurethane. Then, it's embossed and embossed in a way that it appears like leather. It is not very durable and may break or peel off easily. It is also not as soft and supple as genuine leather. This is the reason sofas that is upholstered with bonded leather may look attractive in a showroom but it won't last.
When shopping for used leather sofas, search for genuine top-grain upholstery. This type of leather will be softer and more flexible than fake leather, and will also look better. You can discern the difference in grain characteristics between real and fake leather. You should look for marks of natural hide, creases, scarring and fat wrinkles (caused by the animal's natural fat deposits). Genuine leather is characterized by these marks.
Another way to identify the genuine leather sofa is to feel it. Genuine leather is warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer, while bonded leather is more rigid and doesn't adjust to your body temperature. Genuine leather will also age gracefully and develop a rich patina with time.
It is possible to buy an authentic leather sofa at a fair price however, it will require more maintenance than a bonded leather or faux leather item. A regular cleaning schedule will keep it looking nice and soft for many years. Clean the furniture piece using a dry cloth to get rid of any dirt. Then, make a mild soap solution by adding a few drops of liquid detergent to water. Dip a dry, clean cloth into the solution, and rub it onto the leather surface.
After you've cleaned your couch, make sure you clean it off using a clean cloth that is free of detergent. You should also apply a leather conditioner at minimum once or twice per year. This will help maintain the quality of the leather and prevent it from drying out and cracking over time. Also, make sure to keep your furniture made of leather away from direct sunlight as it will degrade rapidly in bright light.